PORTSMOUTH— Thirty-one seniors from the Portsmouth Christian Academy, moved their gold tassels from right to left on Saturday, June 9, at the Bethany Church in Greenland, symbolizing their transition from students to alumni.

Family, friends and faculty filled the pews of the church, watching as the graduates dressed in traditional cap and gowns, reminisced about their years shared together and projected what the uncharted future holds for their classmates.

Brian Bell, Upper School Principal, welcomed guests after "Pomp and Circumstance." He took a moment to recognize how blessed he and other faculty members are to have served the class.

"We are grateful for the support and blessings that you have showered us with throughout the years. It was truly an honor to serve you throughout your time at PCA," Bell, said.

He led a prayer and later took the podium to introduce the salutatorian, Timothy Lagoy. Bell spoke highly of the young man, highlighting his accomplishments throughout his thirteen years at PCA as he served as class president and participated in over ten theater productions.

Lagoy then addressed fellow classmates, "we blazed a new trail this year, marked with struggle, unity, love and devotion as God has called upon us in new and challenging ways. Through our teachers and mentors we have strengthened our understanding of the world around us."

Benjamin Leavitt, class valedictorian, was then introduced, Bell noting his participation in school activities ranging from playing varsity tennis during his four high school years to serving as class secretary.

Leavitt took the podium, opening his speech with the simplistic experience of watching a goose egg hatch in his classroom twenty-eight days after incubation.

"God has an amazing way of doing things," he said in awe of the transformation from hard shell to fluffy creature that took place in such a short time span.

He tied in the anecdote to his classmates.

"I have watched each and every one of you grow physically, spiritually and artistically over the years," he said. "We have created valuable relationships at PCA and I challenge you to stay connected with each other in the years to follow."

Both Lagoy and Leavitt plan on attending Grove City College in Western Pennsylvania come fall.

Following his speech a short film directed by senior, Ty James Ueda, depicted how closely the 2012 class had become during their time at the Academy. The clip captured the class jumping off a bridge and plunging into the dark waters below, as well as time spent in Times Square over the winter. Members of the class laughed as their classmates flashed onto the screen.

Marian Noronha, President of Turbocam and keynote speaker at the event, closed the speeches with words for the new graduates.

Noronha recognized the unlikely odds of being born in the wealthiest nation when over 60 percent of children are birthed in mud huts or fields without running water. He asked graduates to acknowledge the opportunities that have been presented to them due to their circumstances and to use the opportunity to act as leaders.

He told graduates that they had won the lottery twice, once being born into the wealthiest nation with abundant opportunities and the second into a Christian home. The odds of being exposed to both a 1.2 percent chance.

"You won the lottery and so you must volunteer," he said.

The diplomas were then handed out and a Celtic Blessing was sung by the PCA chorus to close the commencement. Graduates gathered in the hall of the church afterward and teared up as they hugged one another and snapped photos of the memorable day.